There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Lemon Rolls wafting through your kitchen. Imagine that buttery, zesty scent wrapping around you like a warm hug, making you forget all your worries and inviting you to indulge in a delightful treat. delicious chocolate chip muffins The soft, fluffy texture combined with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze is simply irresistible. You can almost hear them whispering, “Eat me!” as they sit patiently on the cooling rack, waiting for their moment to shine.
These Lemon Rolls are not just a treat; they’re a celebration in every bite. Picture this: a weekend brunch with friends or a cozy family gathering where these scrumptious rolls are the star of the table. Everyone will be asking for seconds (or thirds), reminiscing about the last time they tasted something so heavenly. festive Thanksgiving punch Trust me; once you experience these Lemon Rolls, your taste buds will thank you, and your friends will crown you the official “Dessert King” or “Queen” of your social circle.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Lemon Rolls are incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike
- The bright citrus flavor adds a refreshing twist to any meal or occasion
- Their golden-brown color and glossy glaze make them visually stunning on any dessert table
- Not only do they taste divine, but they’re also versatile enough to serve at breakfast or as an afternoon snack
I remember the first time I made these Lemon Rolls for my friends during a brunch get-together. creamy street corn dip They were gone in minutes, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; use unbleached flour for best results. For more inspiration, check out this flaky oat flour pie crust recipe.
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Granulated Sugar: Just the right amount adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
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Active Dry Yeast: Always check expiration dates for maximum fluffiness in your rolls.
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Whole Milk: Use whole milk for richness; it enhances the flavor and texture of your rolls.
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Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness; I prefer using high-quality brands for better flavor.
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Lemon Zest: Fresh zest is key to achieving that vibrant lemon flavor; don’t skip this step!
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides tartness and balances sweetness beautifully.
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Eggs: Ensure they’re at room temperature for even mixing and better rise.
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Powdered Sugar: For glazing; it gives that dreamy finish on top of each roll.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances flavor complexity; always opt for pure extract when possible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to foam up—this means it’s alive and ready to rock!
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, and juice until well-combined. The mixture should have a luscious lemony aroma by now.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour into the wet mixture while stirring until it forms a soft dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Knead Your Dough: Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic; think of it as giving your dough a mini spa day!
Let It Rise!: Place the dough into an oiled bowl covered with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about an hour—while you sip some coffee or tea.
Shape and Fill Your Rolls: Roll out dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter on top, sprinkle sugar mixed with lemon zest generously before rolling tightly into logs.
After preparing these steps with love (and maybe some dance moves), you’re just about ready to enjoy those amazing Lemon Rolls!
You Must Know
- Lemon rolls are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy, perfect for breakfast or dessert
- Their light, fluffy texture and zesty flavor make them a crowd favorite
- Don’t forget to serve them warm, as the aroma will surely entice everyone at your table!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough while preheating your oven. Once mixed, allow it to rise until doubled in size for perfect fluffiness.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding poppy seeds or a swirl of cream cheese for extra richness. You can also experiment with different citrus flavors for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover lemon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the oven briefly to revive their softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, use fresh lemons to enhance flavor
- Avoid over-kneading the dough; gentle handling preserves the light texture
- Always let the rolls cool slightly before glazing for better flavor absorption
A friend once told me that these lemon rolls reminded her of her grandma’s kitchen, filled with laughter and warmth—now they bring those memories alive every time I bake them.
FAQ
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice offers better flavor than bottled options, so opt for fresh if possible.
How do I prevent my lemon rolls from being too dense?
Make sure your yeast is active and give the dough enough time to rise properly.
Can I freeze lemon rolls for later use?
Yes, freeze them after baking; just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Lemon Rolls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible charm of freshly baked Lemon Rolls, where the buttery softness meets a zesty lemon glaze. Perfect for brunch or as a sweet snack, these rolls will enchant your taste buds with their delightful blend of sweetness and tang. Serve them warm for a comforting experience that will make any gathering special.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glazing)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let it foam for about 5 minutes.
- Mix in melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, and juice until well blended.
- Gradually add flour while stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread with softened butter, sprinkle with sugar mixed with lemon zest, and roll tightly into logs.
- Cut into rolls and place in a greased baking dish. Let rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before drizzling with glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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